Preview

Features

Examines elements of the energy policy question as it affects and is affected by the four interrelated institutions that make up the industry

Reviews a number of noteworthy energy policies that have emerged at the state and municipal levels

Explores the alternative frameworks and policy instruments available to elected and appointed officials in the United States

Discusses problems and opportunities facing policy makers in the future

Summary

In an effort to provide greater awareness of the necessary policy decisions facing our elected and appointed officials, Energy Policy in the U.S.: Politics, Challenges, and Prospects for Change presents an overview of important energy policies and the policy process in the United States, including their history, goals, methods of action, and consequences.

In the first half of the book, the authors frame the energy policy issue by reviewing U.S. energy policy history, identifying the policy-making players, and illuminating the costs, benefits, and economic and political realities of currently competing policy alternatives. The book examines the stakeholders and their attempts to influence energy policy and addresses the role of supply and demand on the national commitment to energy conservation and the development of alternative energy sources.

The latter half of the book delves into specific energy policy strategies, including economic and regulatory options, and factors that influence energy policies, such as the importance of international cooperation. Renewed interest in various renewable and nontraditional energy resources—for example, hydrogen, nuclear fusion, biomass, and tide motion—is examined, and policy agendas are explored in view of scientific, economic, regulatory, production, and environmental constraints. This book provides excellent insight into the complex task of creating a comprehensive energy policy and its importance in the continued availability of energy to power our way of life and economy while protecting our environment and national security.

Table of Contents

IntroductionWhat Is Energy?Structure of the Energy IndustryStakeholders in the Energy Policy NetworkWhat Actions Should We Take?Purpose for the BookWhy an Energy Policy Is Important

THE CHALLENGES IN CRAFTING U.S. ENERGY POLICY

The Political Realities of Energy Policy

Demystifying Energy PolicyAn Example: Coal, from Mine to FurnaceUnderstanding the Scale of EnergyThe Function of Energy PolicyWhy Does the United States Use so Much Energy?The U.S. Energy SectorEnergy in Commerce and IndustryEnergy and the ConsumerEnergy and AgricultureConclusion: Energy out of Balance

Energy Policy in Transition

Early Climate ResearchForecasts, Energy, and Creating the FutureConfusion over Peak OilTransitioning from Peak ProductionClimate Change: Challenges and Policy GoalsThe Challenge; the ResponseThinking in WedgesThe Stern Review and Its AftermathThe Social Cost of CarbonThe Carbon Price DebateArcane Issues with Global RamificationsConclusion: Climate Implications for Energy Policy

The Art and Science of Crafting Public Policy

Policy Making in ActionThe Evolution of U.S. Political CultureCongress and Its Influence on PolicyPluralism, Elites, Triangles, and NetworksShifting Models of Government PowerThe System: Weakened, but Still Functioning—for NowFraming the Energy Policy IssueNeeded: A New Way of Thinking about PolicyThe U.S. Policy Space: Today and the Near TomorrowConclusion: A Rough Terrain Ahead

The Long Search for a Sustainable Energy Policy

The History of U.S. Energy Policy since 19451945 to 1970: Managing an Energy Surplus1971 to 1980: Coping with Energy Shortages1981 to 1990: Deregulating the Industry1991 to 1999: Calls for a Comprehensive Energy Policy2000 to 2002: Linking Energy and National Security2003 to 2007: A Comprehensive Energy Policy Finally Emerges2008 to 2009: A Renewed Call for Energy Independence2010 and Beyond: Energy Efficiency, Conservation, and the Environment

Climate Change and the U.S. EconomyThe Future Role of Nuclear EnergyConcern about Our Reliance on Imported OilIssues to Address ImmediatelyRenewables and Conservation Policy IssuesTackling the Major Agenda IssuesAccess to Federal LandsIs Carbon Capture and Storage Viable?Failure to Produce a Global Climate TreatyWhat’s on the Periphery of the Energy Agenda?Conclusion: Sorting out the Energy Agenda

POLICIES FORENERGY TRANSITION

Crafting Policy with Subsidies and Regulations

The Nature of Government InterventionsThe Importance of SubsidiesTax Expenditure InterventionsProblems Financing Renewable Energy ProjectsEnergy Research and DevelopmentA Major Presidential ThemeThe DOE’s Spotty Record of SuccessFederal Regulation of the Energy SectorAppliance Efficiency Standards and Energy StarEnergy Interventions for Households: LIHEAPConclusion: The U.S. Energy Policy Blunderbuss

Author(s) Bio

David E. McNabb is emeritus professor of business administration at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington and former visiting professor at the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga, Latvia.

Laurance R. Geri teaches in the Masters Program in Public Administration (MPA) at Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, where he was director of the MPA program from 2002 to 2006.